The Cardinals usually end their training camp in Flagstaff every August knowing they'll return the following July. It's been like that almost every year since they moved from St. Louis in 1988.

But as is the case in many long-term relationships, one partner is now stepping back and asking: Is this all there is?

This was the last year of the team's contract with Northern Arizona University, and the Cardinals will spend the next several months evaluating their options. That includes possible interest from Prescott, which includes Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and sites outside of Arizona.

The Cardinals aren't saying they won't return to Flagstaff -- their training camp home every year but one since 1988 -- but they want improvements made.

"There are a number of things that are less visible to the casual observer to training camp but are incredibly important aspects that, quite frankly, haven't met our expectations over the years," said Ron Minegar, the team's executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Like what?

Flagstaff and NAU appear to have everything an NFL team could want: cool weather, manicured outdoor fields, a dome to escape the rain and plenty of hotels and good restaurants to accommodate fans.

But there are problems behind doors that are closed to the public. In 2011, the Skydome was closed to fans, and to the family members of players and coaches, because it was being renovated. The Cardinals and NAU practiced there, however, and there seemed to be no reason for the closure.

The Cardinals had to move out of their dormitories into a hotel for the final week of that camp, presumably because school was about to start. Yet the dorms they vacated remained unoccupied that week.

This year, the Cardinals were dismayed at the Skydome facilities provided for their athletic training and equipment operations. Team officials felt they were inadequate for a high school team, much less an NFL franchise with 90 players.

The Cardinals' dissatisfaction grew when they visited St. Joseph, Mo., to practice against the Kansas City Chiefs. They were amazed at the facilities provided by Missouri Western State University and how eager university officials were to meet their needs.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt declined comment about the possibility of returning to Flagstaff, and the team referred questions to Minegar, who is spearheading negotiations with NAU and possibly others.

Prescott is the most obvious suitor. The Cardinals trained there in 2005, when an outbreak of norovirus on NAU's campus led to a last-minute change.

Minegar also doesn't rule out holding training camp outside of the state. Other NFL teams, including the Cowboys, have done that, although the league-wide trend in recent years has been to stay closer to home.

"I don't think there's been a year where we haven't gotten inquiries from all over the place," Minegar said. "There's a lot of interest in hosting NFL camps."

Preparing players for the season is the priority of training camp, Minegar said, but he admits marketing and money are factors, too.

"I don't think you're na´ve enough for me to tell you that's not always a part of it," he said.

The experience in Prescott was a positive one, but the area doesn't have the facilities that NAU could offer. If Prescott was to win a bid, it likely would have to include commitments to building new ones.

While there are stress fractures in the relationship between the Cardinals and NAU, no one is predicting that a wide chasm will develop. As in most negotiations, there is posturing by both sides as they seek leverage.

Moving camp out of Flagstaff would be a bold move by the Cardinals, and possibly a damaging one.

Visiting Flagstaff in the summer has become a tradition for Cardinals fans, many of whom wouldn't be happy if the team decided to train out of state. NAU and Flagstaff can offer facilities, weather and altitude training that aren't readily available anywhere else.

The university and Flagstaff, however, can't take the Cardinals for granted. Training camp provides a financial boost for the area's businesses, and it's hard to put a dollar figure on the positive exposure the area receives nationally because of the Cardinals.

More important, the Cardinals' growing dissatisfaction is genuine, not just a negotiating ploy.

Both sides seem to know that staying together is the ideal outcome.

Minegar already has had several positive discussions with Lisa Campos, who became NAU's vice-president for intercollegiate athletics last March.

"I can honestly tell you that's some of the good news," Minegar said. "We've have probably had more discussions with Lisa Campos in the last four weeks than we had with her predecessor the last four years. She recognizes some of the benefits for her program in having an NFL club up there."

Having the Cardinals on campus for a month also is a challenge for the university, which must balance the needs of its teams with those of the Cardinals.

And while the Skydome has been updated, space remains limited. When the Cardinals move in, it usually means someone from NAU has to move out.

"The university and the city of Flagstaff are really committed to the Cardinals," Campos said. "It's so invaluable having them here. People don't take it for granted here. We know we have to keep putting our best foot forward."

8/1/12 - Cardinals running back Bennie Wells signs autographs for fans after a walk-through at training camp in Flagstaff.

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This week's game

Thursday: Cardinals (1-3) vs. Broncos (1-1)Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale. | When: 8 p.m. TV: Ch. 15/NFL Network | Radio: KTAR 92.3 FM.*Note on the start time vs. Denver: By rule, moving the game to Wednesday was not an option since the Broncos are already scheduled to play the previous Sunday. In addition, the late start time is to avoid conflicting with network TV coverage of the Republican National Convention's final night and the nominee's acceptance speech.